Rudy is one of those movies that I stop what I am doing whenever it is on television. No matter how many times I watch it I always tear up when he runs out on the field in full gear. Yep, even after its release 30 years ago I still get teary-eyed watching Sean Astin get carried off of the field. It’s strange how many children nowadays only know Sean Astin as Bob from Stranger Things. Hopefully, with the new 30th Anniversary edition with an all-new director’s cut, more younger folk will experience this amazing story and want to be like Rudy.
So what is new in the director’s cut? There are a few new scenes added that add to the story and flesh out some of the characters that we already know. We get to see more of Vince Vaughn and more story between Rudy and Mary. Maybe one of the coolest scenes that was added was a scene at a Christmas dinner. In this scene, one of the brothers’ girlfriends asks Rudy’s dad why they love Notre Dame much. Ned Beatty gives an amazing monologue that not only gives you a better understanding of his love for Notre Dame but also give the movie this new level of appreciation.
Check out the extra features that come on this new version of the movie.
- 4K ULTRA HD DISC
- NEW: 127-minute Director’s Cut of the film
- Also includes the original 114-minute Theatrical Cut of the film
- Both versions of the film remastered in 4K resolution from the original camera negative and presented in 4K with Dolby Vision
- Both versions also include all-new Dolby Atmos immersive audio mixes
- 4K picture and Atmos sound mix approved by director David Anspaugh
- Also includes English 5.1 for both versions + 2-channel surround for the Theatrical Cut
- Special Features:
- NEW: Feature Commentary with Director David Anspaugh and Screenwriter Angelo Pizzo (Director’s Cut Only)
- NEW: 5 Additional Deleted Scenes
- Theatrical Trailer
- BLU-RAY DISC
- Theatrical Cut presented in High Definition
- 5.1 audio
- Special Features:
- Rudy: The Real Story Featurette
- Production Featurette
- First Down with Sean Astin
We don’t have to sell you on how good a movie Rudy is and the new director’s cut just makes it better. Usually when a director remakes or adds to their original movie things don’t come out right. (I’m looking at you The Outsiders with the added surf music!) These new additions feel like they have always been there and will make you love the movie even more.
Final Thoughts: Rudy is one of the best sports movies that has been released and with the 30th Anniversary out now new generations are going to discover this gem. While some may see it simply as an underdog movie, many will be able to relate to the struggle of Rudy and trying to achieve your dream.
Kid-Friendly: Rudy is a great movie about determination, following your dreams, and never giving up. This is a fantastic movie for the family to watch together.
Violence: Some of the practice scenes might seem a little brutal for younger kids. The way Rudy is thrown around might be too much.
All his life, people have told Rudy he’s not good enough, not smart enough, not big enough. But nothing can stop his impossible dream of playing football for Notre Dame. From the time he’s a young boy, Rudy (Sean Astin) is determined to join the Fighting Irish. But his blue collar family only laughs at his ambitions – they know Rudy will follow his father and brothers to the local steel mill. And, for four long years after high school, he does just that. But some dreams won’t die, as Rudy proves when he goes to heroic, occasionally hilarious, lengths to win admission to Notre Dame. Once there, he becomes a walk-on player, serving as little more than a human tackling dummy against the starting players. Bloodied but unbeaten, Rudy wins the respect of legendary coach Ara Parseghian and the other Irish players, who give him one shot at gridiron glory. An incredible true story from the creators of Hoosiers, RUDY is an unforgettable testament to the power of dreams and the triumph of the common man.